Miami trims to 53 ahead of Week 1 with a sharp eye on offensive line depth. The five anchors — Patrick Paul, Jonah Savaiinaea, Aaron Brewer, James Daniels, and Austin Jackson — are set, but reserve tackles remain a concern behind them. Germain Ifedi and Yodny Cajuste are on IR, and Liam Eichenberg and Andrew Meyer likely start the season on the PUP list, leaving the unit thin and exposed.

With several reserves underwhelming in camp — notably Kion Smith, Ryan Hayes, and Jackson Carman — the Dolphins are expected to pursue a veteran tackle via trade or waivers. The Patriots could hold enticing options, though trades within the division are rare. Week 1 roster shape will hinge on quick, decisive moves after cuts on Monday and Tuesday.

Ultimately, depth at tackle and the ability to plug in immediate blockers will determine Week 1 outcomes and fantasy upside for the Dolphins’ invested players. Watch for a veteran addition that reshapes the line’s durability and run/pass balance.

The Dolphins’ backup tackle depth is under a microscope three weeks from Week 1. Austin Jackson and Patrick Paul, when healthy, anchor the right and left sides, but durability is the lingering question. The club has lost several backups to IR buys, including Germain Ifedi, Yodny Cajuste, and Bayron Matos, turning attention to a group once considered “inadequate” that’s slowly finding its footing in joint practices and August tests. With Armstead’s injury history and Tua Tagovailoa’s dependence on protection, any setback could trigger a domino effect on Miami’s passing game and the quarterback situation behind him. The good news: current backups are improving; the bad news: trust isn’t fully earned with the opener looming. There’s still time to add depth via free agency or late cuts, and the coaching staff remains hopeful that the line cohesion and technique translate to Week 1 readiness. The Dolphins have never had both starting tackles stay healthy in McDaniel’s tenure, so every rep matters as they navigate a pivotal early schedule and the weight of securing protection for their high-octane offense.

Austin Booker’s breakout against Miami was loud: three sacks, six tackles, three tackles for loss, four QB hits and a forced fumble. He pressured the edge relentlessly and flashed the quickness and bend Chicago hoped to unlock, giving the Bears a genuine pre-season spark at the position.

If the momentum sticks, Booker could push for a bigger role in 2025. The Bears’ staff emphasized a growing rush toolbox, and a continued preseason surge would push fantasy managers to monitor his sub-packages and potential volume as the season nears.

Booker’s first sack came on a play-action, winning off the edge after staying disciplined; the second was a spin move into the interior, beating Germain Ifedi. The third sack produced a forced fumble recovered by Power Echols, underscoring his disruptive potential and the defense’s emerging depth. Drafted in 2024, Booker remains young with clear upside as Chicago eyes a more aggressive pass rush in 2025.

Miami opens its preseason slate at Chicago with plenty of roster intrigue. Six areas stand out: fringe special teams players who can carve a spot, the battle for the Dolphins fifth receiver, an unsettled cornerback group, offensive line depth questions, backup QB opportunities, and veteran pushback for a roster spot. Expect rookies and fringe players to get meaningful reps as starters rest.

Key special-team contenders include Dee Eskridge and Cameron Goode, with undrafted options like Monaray Baldwin generating curiosity. The crowd for the fifth receiver spot features Eskridge, Tahj Washington, Theo Wease Jr., and Andrew Armstrong, plus others in camp. The cornerback room remains fluid after offseason changes, with Ethan Bonner and undrafted BJ Adams in the mix while Isaiah Johnson stays in the conversation.

On the line, Germain Ifedi, Daniel Brunskill, Josh Priebe, Addison West and swing-tackle contenders will get opportunities to prove depth behind the starters. Quinn Ewers will get reps behind Tua Tagovailoa, who may or may not see action, while the backup plan at quarterback remains unsettled. Veterans Cam Smith, Channing Tindall, Tanner Conner and Erik Ezukanma will be aiming to reaffirm their spots in a game where jobs are on the line.